It’s all about the pacing in first-time director Neto Villalobos’ leisurely unfolding of a (game)cock and bull tale about a Costa Rican broomstick in security guard’s clothing and the friendships he derives after bantering a bantam out of his landlord. Chalo (Allan Cascante) is the type of charmer who’ll sit behind you on a bus and immediately poke his head over your shoulder and begin reading your newspaper before striking up a conversation. If repetition is the key to comedy, Villalobos wisely relies on deadpan long-takes that allow character quirks to logjam — and with them, laughter. A lesson in how far a lot of imagination and a keen eye for balanced ‘Scope compositions can go to plaster the cracks of a sparse story and infinitesimal budget. One gaping continuity flaw: if a character takes a bullet to the shoulder, don’t have him turn up shirtless and scarless two scenes later. Marvin Acosta, Sylvia Sossa, and Erlan Vásquez all contribute exceptional comic support. (2013) — Scott Marks
This movie is not currently in theaters.